Sacred Heart School unveiled the new floor of its gymnasium to its community Friday night in a blessing ceremony led by Pastor John Fullum.

The original gym floor was destroyed by a flood in August of 2007.

According to Fullum, although the school had flood insurance, reimbursement fell short of the cost of replacing the floor. When the school turned to FEMA, they discovered that the government agency only provides assistance to homeowners. Fullum said the Diocese of Brooklyn did offer the parish a loan.

"We just didn't want to go down that road," Fullum said.

It was at this point that the community rallied together behind the school.

Kerrie Hansen, whose son Steven attends Sacred Heart, said the recently formed Sacred Heart Glendale Educational Foundation took up the new floor as its flagship cause in February.

"We formed this group to start looking at grants and preserving the school for the future," said Hansen. "We didn't anticipate the gym floor being our first project."

According to Hansen, the original goal of the foundation was to raise $110,000. Through a series of fundraisers, including selling plaques, raffles, and a pasta night hosted by the Kiwanis, as well as corporate donations, the foundation was able to secure the funds needed to replace the damaged floor.

Many students also aided the foundation in raising funds the best ways they knew how. Fifth grader Steven Hansen collected cans, while classmate Brandonn Taphouse contributed his birthday money to the cause.

According to Principal Joanne Gangi, the fundraising work exceeded her expectations.

"It was a huge undertaking," said Gangi. "I wasn't expecting that. It was amazing."

Fullum agreed, and said he is thankful for the efforts of all who played a part in raising funds for the new floor.

"If it wasn't for [the community], we'd all be standing in mud," he said.

Pat Rampolla, who donated to the cause as well as attended Friday's event, said she was happy to help because of how important the school has been to her family.

"We've been here a long time," said Rampolla, a 1965 alumna, who says she can remember playing 21 for rosaries in the gymnasium.

In years past, Rampolla's mother-in-law taught at the school and her late husband coached. Her children attended Sacred Heart before going on to coach basketball at the school themselves.